Lexi: you need time to think. *puts her other hand on Nicole's other hand* I can help you with that. *leans over the table and kisses her* Lia, who watched this happen from outside, immediately runs away, overcome with emotion

A waiter walks by her table to clear away disheswaiter: Ah, your friend left? Oh, by the way, a bit earlier I saw some girl about your age out the window look at the two of you, and then she ran off. Seemed pretty distressed. *shrugs* Oh well. *walks away*

The trail of discarded items leads out to the southern exit of the tunnel, into the little open area surrounded by mountains. Sitting under a big rock is Lia, dressed in a baggy white t shirt and short shorts, her face buried in her knees, crying uncontrollably